AB-1973 Abortion: authorized procedures
Sep 27, 2026 edition · GC-2026-0070 · Published 2026-09-27 · Version 2 · Proposed
AB 1973 proposes removing the first-trimester limitation for qualifying abortion practice while retaining licensure, clinical training and consultation safeguards.
What happened
AB 1973 proposes revising the abortion authorization provisions so the statutory exception depends on an appropriate valid, unrevoked and unsuspended license or certificate authorizing the procedure, rather than the existing first-trimester medication/aspiration limitation. For nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives and physician assistants, the text preserves profession-specific clinical competency and training requirements. The proposal remains pending for this September 20–26 account; it does not yet change a clinician’s existing authorized services.
Procedural training must have clinical and didactic components, and exclusively online or simulation programs without required direct-patient clinical hours do not qualify. NPs and certified nurse-midwives undertaking procedures beyond the first trimester would need the specified written consultation, collaboration, referral and transfer procedures for care beyond their education, training and experience. PA practice remains tied to the applicable practice agreement; the text’s absence-of-personal-presence provision is conditional. The proposal expressly does not authorize NPs or certified nurse-midwives to perform surgery, and applicable standards and individual scope still control.
Scope and timing
- Authority status
- Proposed
- Applicability
- Potentially applicable
- Audience
- Health systems, Provider networks
- Jurisdiction
- California
Why it matters
Removing a gestational limitation would not eliminate individual competency, lawful scope or the need for a safe escalation and transfer framework.
Recommended action
Monitor final action and have clinical leadership and Legal assess licenses, training evidence, privileges, practice agreements and consultation/transfer arrangements. Retain current authorized scope until any applicable change becomes operative.
Sources
- AB-1973 Abortion: authorized procedures, bill historyOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-08-31 · Source review 2026-09-10
- AB-1973 Abortion: authorized procedures, current bill text (08/27/26 - Enrolled)Official · California Legislature · 2026-08-27 · Source review 2026-09-10
Complete edition and supplemental material
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